Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, from the Wharton Park estate in England to Thailand, this sweeping novel tells the tale of a concert pianist and the aristocratic Crawford family, whose shocking secrets are revealed, leading to devastating consequences.
As a child, concert pianist Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park, the grand estate reminiscent of … grand estate reminiscent of Downton Abbey where her grandfather tended exotic orchids. Years later, while struggling with overwhelming grief over the death of her husband and young child, she returns to this tranquil place. There she reunites with Kit Crawford, heir to the estate and her possible salvation.
When they discover an old diary, Julia seeks out her grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed the estate. Their search takes them back to the 1940s when Harry, a former heir to Wharton Park, married his young society bride, Olivia, on the eve of World War II. When the two lovers are cruelly separated, the impact will be felt for generations to come.
This atmospheric story alternates between the magical world of Wharton Park and Thailand during World War II. Filled with twists and turns, passions and lies, and ultimately redemption, The Orchid House is a beautiful, romantic, and poignant novel.
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My first Lucinda Riley book and since I have read (inhaled) every one of her novels.
The first book I read and I was hooked.
I lost the string of this one. I looked forward to reading this one because of the orchids. Bam! Lucinda Riley did it. Heaven had come to visit on a Saturday. Then, the author left the orchids and went other places. The plot began to meander. I might try the author again. At this time, I’m simply disappointed.
good beach read
While some things in the plot were predictable I really enjoyed the complicated characters. The focus on the duty related to English estates was interesting since we usually only hear about the storybook side of privilege and luxurious surroundings. Glad it had a happy ending
Didn’t know how it would end until the last page. My kind of book.
I liked this book even though the possibility that someone could pass off a half Asian child as English was a bit far fetched. The book did make a period of history come alive for me.
A very enjoyable read! Many movibg parts woven into an engaging plot about two sisters that lose their mom at a young age, and how they deal with loss later in life. The novel is upbeat and fast-paced.
Characters discuss playing classical music, courting & marriages, mananging a large estate, loss, war, and orchids (obviously.) All details …
Sweet story
So interesting! Unexpected turns; a wonderful read!
I call this a chic romance, and that is not what I expected it to be. It was quite predictable as far as that type of book goes. I won’t be following this author.
A great story of loss and redemption.
Lucinda Riley is one of the best authors around! This book was incredible and kept me reading every free minute I had, though on the other hand I did not want the book to end! Superb!
“The Orchid House” grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go. I read it in one sitting and was sorrowful when I was finished. Will read more of this author.
Held my interest. I couldn’t wait each time to read. I wanted to know what happened. This book kept me guessing and I was actually correct on two accounts. It was a fun and interesting read. Great characters! Very good author. I will look for more of her books especially since they are not graphic in the sex department.
I loved this book. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Very interesting
Wonderful descriptions of Thailand. A good story.
Great book. I really enjoyed it.
I like the book, I read it in two sittings.